Difference Between Relational and Non-Relational Databases

In a relational database management system (RDBMS), data is stored in tables with rows and columns, where relationships between data are defined. On the other hand, in a non-relational database (NoSQL), data is stored in a schema-less fashion, often using document, key-value, or graph-based models.

When to Choose a Relational Database:

• If your project requires complex queries and transactions.
• When you have a structured data model with well-defined relationships.
• If data integrity and ACID properties are crucial for your application.

When to Choose a Non-Relational (NoSQL) Database:

• For projects with large amounts of unstructured or semi-structured data.
• When you need horizontal scalability and high performance for read and write operations.
• If your project has evolving data requirements that may not fit a fixed schema.

Ultimately, the choice between a relational and non-relational database depends on the specific requirements of your project. Understanding the differences and limitations of each type can help you make an informed decision based on your data and application needs.